Position Summary:
The Controls Specialists Supervisor position is part of the Plant Operations department at Vanderbilt University and is a key individual contributor responsible for providing skilled work to ensure safe, effective, and energy efficient operation of building control, fire, security and access control systems, and therefore, the learning environment (safety and comfort with energy efficiency) within Vanderbilt University’s buildings. This position is responsible for leading an internal team or project managing an outside vendor in the commissioning, retro-commissioning, testing, maintenance, modification, repairs and record keeping of building control, utilizing knowledge of pneumatic, electric, electronics, direct digital control, airflow, hydronics, refrigeration theory, control strategies, fire alarm systems, security systems, access control systems, emergency/egress/lighting, card readers, and sprinkler monitor panels. This includes such hardware as thermostats, humidistats, receiver controllers, pneumatic actuators, safeties, pilot positioners, relays, sensors, field panels, wiring, power supplies, interface modules, manual pull stations as well as system operating manuals and engineered drawings. The Controls Specialist Supervisor will work as a partner and in collaboration with all departments throughout the VU campus on a daily basis.

About the Work Unit:
Facilities provides facilities support for all construction, renovation, and routine maintenance of University space and facilities; housekeeping services for approximately 5.8 million square feet of academic, administrative, residential, and recreational space; grounds care for 330 acres that are a registered arboretum; turf care for athletic fields; and utilities for the University Central and the Medical Center.
Facilities annual budget exceeds $100 million in operating expenses and includes over 400 employees. This branch manages major capital project expenditures totaling ~$125 million annually and facility renewal, replacement, and large maintenance project expenditures totaling ~$20 million annually. The Facilities Business Operations Center provides support to the entire department, specifically regarding the areas of Finance, Employee Relations, Systems, Contracts and General Administration.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

Responsible for leading a team of Controls specialists or project managing outside vendors in the implementation of large-scale controls jobs.

Responsible for developing training materials and teaching others pneumatic controls, DDC controls, and control system programming.

Responsible for end-to-end testing, downloading programming, starting up, commissioning, retro-commissioning, and servicing on assigned projects.

Monitors and calibrates building system controls to achieve better operation and energy efficiency as instructed.

Assists in the accumulation of data necessary to facilitate improved operation of HVAC systems for effective Energy Management.

Determines nature and depth of malfunctions and initiate action to repair, or provide information to resolve and/or modify operating parameters.

Completes detailed test and repairs records and file/store as required.

Refers to and understand engineering drawings and fire systems operating manuals.

Works with Campus Planning and Construction during new project and renovation design, vendor commissioning and Vanderbilt University acceptance to ensure controls, fire, security, and access control systems meet or exceed Vanderbilt specifications for performance, efficiency, and code compliance prior to hand-off to Plant Operations.

Works with HAR Group and Chilled Water Distribution Group to troubleshoot control systems which control chillers, AHU’s, boilers, hot water converters, cooling towers, etc. to facilitate correction of malfunctions and system failures.

Analyzes, diagnoses, and repairs direct digital control systems.

Performs preventative maintenance, site surveys, replacement, and modifications as needed to ensure maximum energy efficiency.

Prepares for on-site installation and repairs by examining building layout, anticipating difficulties, gathering materials and coordinating on-site work, as necessary.

Uses a variety of hand tools, interpreting control drawings, plans, and specifications, to mount, assemble, test, and program the system.

Completes reports on a daily basis to ensure accurate record management of labor, material, and cost.

Researches and recommend repair components and test equipment to assist management in calculating costs of repairs and upgrades.

Gathers building HVAC and mechanical field data to facilitate analysis of HVAC performance.
• Assists others as requested to help troubleshoot HVAC equipment to limit equipment downtime and resolve complaints and other problems related to campus HVAC equipment.
• Provides sketches of field changes and discrepancies for engineering corrections and drawings.
• Provides mentorship to other team members on complex building control, fire alarm, security, and access control systems and strategies.
• Conducts extensive self study to improve and maintain technical proficiency in building control systems and products.
• Maintains flexibility to work overtime/weekends, as required.

Supervisory Relationships: This position does have supervisory responsibility for seven Control Specialists; this position reports administratively and functionally to BSC/FLS/CWD/CTLS Group Manager.

Education and Certifications:
A High school diploma or GED is necessary.
Bachelor’s degree is preferred.

Experience and Skills:

Formal Electronics/Instrumentation training such as vocational/technical school, trade school, military, or apprenticeship desired.

Minimum of ten (10) years electronics/instrumentation work experience in all phases of pneumatic and DDC instrumentation, control systems, security systems, fire systems, access control systems, and building automation systems is necessary. This includes rough wiring, wiring of devices and panels, and layout and installation of alarm devices, security devices access control devices and other system components.

Experience in team leadership or project management of the repair and troubleshooting of pneumatic controls, DDC controls, and control system programming desired. Proven ability to work with a team of multi-crafted trades-people is preferred.

Knowledge and experience with Johnson Controls and Automated Logic systems is a plus.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills is necessary.

Excellent customer service skills and basic computer user skills with Microsoft office products are required.

Experience with a computerized service request system is preferred.

Valid Tennessee driver’s license is necessary; must have and maintain a valid driver's license and a satisfactory driving record. Vanderbilt University engages a third party to provide up-to-date notifications regarding negative changes to motor vehicle records

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At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.

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The Controls Specialists Supervisor position is part of the Plant Operations department at Vanderbilt University and is a key individual contributor responsible for providing skilled work to ensure safe, effective, and energy efficient operation of building control, fire, security and access control systems, and therefore, the learning environment (safety and comfort with energy efficiency) within Vanderbilt University’s buildings.